Support clamping means for radio



Aug. 7, 1951 s. LUDWIG ETAL SUPPORT CLAMPING MEANS FOR RADIO ANTENNAS Filed Jan. 27, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet l TORNEYS.

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Aug. 7, 1951 s. LUDWIG ET AL 2,563,540

SUPPORT OLAMPING MEANS FOR RADIO ANTENNAS Filed Jan. 27, 1947 3 sheets-Sheet 2 AVA ug- 7, 1951 s. LUDWIG ET Al. 2,563,540

SUPPORT CLAMPING MEANS FOR RADIO ANTENNAS Filed Jan. 27, 1947 s .sheets-sheet s ff v 5 INVENTORJ @Y f/* @www M ATTORNEYS.

Patented Aug. 7, 17951 SUPPORT CLAMPING MEANS FOR RADIO ANTENNAS Sidney Ludwig and Robert R. Culi, Cuyahoga County, Ohio vApplication January 27, 1947, Serial No. 724,634

11 Claims.

This invention relates to a radio apparatus and a supporting means cooperating therewith.

An object of the invention is to provide 'an improved electrical conducting and insulating means which will efliciently conduct currents such as those picked up by a radio receiver.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved conducting apparatus which may be easily and quickly mounted, as for instance on an automotive vehicle.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical conducting means wherein the parts through which current is conducted are eiectively shielded from outside influences.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical conducting and insulating means which will be neat and attractive in appearance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical conducting and insulating means which will be easily assembled.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved electrical conducting and insulating means which will be composed of few and simply manufactured parts.

This invention will be better understood from the description of one practical embodiment thereof, illustrated in the -accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a side elevation of a radio antenna mounted upon a part of an automotive vehicle, together with the conductor by which the currents received by the antenna are conducted into the amplifying and detecting part of the apparatus;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the supporting parts and associated portions of the antenna of Figure 1 taken on line II-II, and to a much enlarged scale;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of the end of an insulating conduit indicated in general in Figure 1, to a still further enlarged scale, showing the rst step in forming a terminal for connec tion of the conduit to the antenna parts shown in the preceding figures Figure 4 is a central sectional view of the conduit end of Figure 3, showing a further step in the manufacture of this terminal;

Figure 5 is a View similar to Figure 4 showing the addition of the terminal connectorand electrical conductor as these are yapplied to theinsulating conduit;

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figures 4 and 5 showing the iinished end of the conduit;

Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective View of the electrical terminal appearing in Figures 5 and 6;

Figure 8 is an end elevation of an electrical Contact used at the opposite end of the conduit from that shown in Figures 3 to '7;

Figure 9 is a longitudinal central sectional view of the contact of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of an insulating washer used in conjunction with both terminals of the conduit;

Figure 11 is an elevational view of the washer of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows the manner of assembling the contact of Figures 8 and 9 with the washer of Figures l0 and l1;

Figure 13 shows the parts of Figures 8 to 12 assembled with `a ferrule for application to the insulating conduit and conductor;

Figure 14 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line XBL-XIV of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 4, but showing the other end of the conduit and conductor as prepared for the reception of the parts of Figure 13; and

Figure 16 shows the finished end of the conduit.

In Figures 1 and 2 an `antenna is shown consisting of three telescopically arranged tubes I, 2 and 3, the upper end of the upper of these parts being shown as nished with a knob 4, and the lower end of the lower tube being shown as permanently fixed, as by Welding 5, to a metal ball 6.

This antenna is mounted upon an automotive vehicle, `as upon the cowl, a fender, the top or the like, as well understood in this art, so that it may be extended upwardly to intercept radio waves and conduct them to a receiving set within the car.

It is necessary that the antenna be firmly supported, as it is subjected to the rush of air as the car travels and at times to the impact of rain, snow, falling leaves, and even branches, and at the same time, of course, it must be eiciently electrically insulated from the body of the vehicle by which it is carried.

The clamping means about to be described, accomplishesv both purposes and avoids the necessity for supplemental supporting means which are common in present types of antennae for vehicles.

Slid over the tubular portion of the antenna and engaging upon the upper portion of ball 6 is a perforated cap l, provided on its exterior with flattened or other tool engaging surfaces 8 and on its interior with a, thread which engages the external thread 9 on a tubular iiange l0 formed on the upper side of a nut-like member I I.

The member I I has a depending boss I2 which fits within the central aperture of a solid insulating washer I3.

The lower surface of the washer I3 rests upon a cylinder block I4, centrally perforated as indicated at I5 and. having an enlarged or counter bored recess section IfS.

It will be noted that the bottom surface of the block I4 is formed along a plane, as indicated at I1, which is oblique to the aXis of the block, to permit the fitting to be adjusted to the inclination of that portion of the vehicle upon which the apparatus is mounted.

Beneath the block I4 is a shock absorbing washer, conveniently of soft rubber, indicated atV I8, while a portion of the vehicle cowling, body' or the like, to which the antenna is attached is indicated at I9.

Bearing upon the under surface of the cowling is a washer 20, which may be of metal or other rigidv material, it being unimportant as to whether this be insulating or conductingv material, but preferably that itl be quite firm.

Threaded into the nut I I is a centrally extendingthreaded rod 2l terminating at its lower end in a reduced shank 22, and` threaded upon the rod is a sleeve 23 having an enlarged head 24 which bears upon the lower end of an insulating bushing 25,

The upper end of this bushing bears on, the under side of aninwardly directed flange 26 of a'tubular sleeve 21.

The flange 2.5, in turn, bears upon the shoulder formed` within the block I4 at the juncture of bore I5 and counterbore I6 and so clamps nut II and block I4V tightly upon the opposite sides of the insulating washer I3, while at the same time it will be notedthat nut I I and the antenna partsv carried thereby are very, effectively electrically insulated from the block I4 and from the sleeve 21.

The lower end of sleeve 21 is externally threaded and passed through a cylindrical block 28,. washer, 29 being provided below the block, and the washer being engaged byv a, nut 30 threaded on the sleeve.

Theblock 28 has an upper beveled surface corresponding substantially to the beveled surface I1 of' block I4, and,.bearing upon the. under side ofV washer 2li, tightly clamps the car Cowling I9 between washers I8 and 20.

' Within the cylindrical recess in fiange I0 is positioned a washer which serves the dual purposeof accurately holding antennae I, 2 and 3 at the desired angle to the supporting bracket and of electrically connecting this antenna to threaded rod 2 I. This washer is shown as having a flat ring-like portion or flange 3|l unitarily united with an axiallyI projecting V-shaped or sharp edged circular flange 32.

The washer is positioned inthe bottom of the recess formed in flange I II with. its sharpened annularedge extending upwardly and ball 5 is placed thereon. Upon tightening of the cap 1, theball is .pressed downwardly upon the sharpened edge 3,2, which edge cuts, into the metal of the ball forming e, circular groove (indicated at 33) which firmly unites the ball and washer both mechanically. and" electrically. The washer simultaneously is forced against the bottom of the chamber in. nut II, which in turn is threaded on to, rod 2l, and so in good electrical connection therewith.

It has been found in practice that the Washer cuts quite a noticeable groove :in the ball, to the extent that it is hard to separate the two parts after cap 1 has been tightly clamped down, and obviously the engagement of the washer over the relatively large periphery of the circle 33, together with the fact that this circle is relatively remote. from the axis, of antenna I, gives ita very rm support.

It will be noted that the bushing 25 is supported on the outside by sleeve 21, at its upper end by the flange 26 of this sleeve, andon its inside and lower: end by the bushing 24.

Consequently a great deal of pressure may be applied to theY insulator 25 which cannot be subjgected to anything other than compressive force.

Similarly, the washer I3 is supported on its top and bottom. byI nut II and block I4, respectively, and internally by the depending boss or flange I2', and moreover has relatively large areas in contact with theV nut and block so that it also may be subjected to relatively great pressure.

Thus the nut II, block I4, and sleeve 21 are very rigidly connected mechanically, while the nut II and its associated parts are effectively electrically insulated from the block and sleeve.

The part of the car to which the device is attached is gripped tightly between clamping blocks I4 and 28, and the pressure on its underside is distributed even further by means of the washer 20' so that in practicev it is impossible to move the support without actually bending car part I9.

The rigidity of this structure eliminates the need for additional braces which are used on nearly all prior types of antennae.

Secured to the depending shank 22, to conduct the impulses received bythe antenna to the receiving set, is a conductor indicated generally in Figure 1` at 34, but more clearly shown in enlarged detail in Figures 3 to 16; the end which is connected to the shank being shown in Figures 2 tov4 7.

The conductorV itself is inclosed in inner and outer insulating tubes 35 andk 36 between which is a woven tube of conducting material 31. The tubes 35 and 36, are most conveniently formed of some of theKA more flexible plastic materials', such aspolyethylene and the woven portion 31 of small metallic wires.

InA Figure 3 the outer tube- 36 is shown as out back a substantial distance from the endV of the inner tube 35, which is the first step in forming the connector end. After this, a ferrule consisting of a larger cylindrical ange 38 and a smaller flange 39 unitary therewith is slid over thev tubes and the ends of the, woven metal portion 31 are unravelled and spread back over flange 39, as indicated in Figure 4. y

Next, a conducting wire 4I)v is passed through the inner tube 35, its, end being secured to a spring clip, indicated in FigureV '1'v as comprising a split resilient tubular portion 4I, a perforated shank 42, and outwardly turned lugs 43 and 44, is attached to the end of the wire as byV bending the end of this wire through the perforation in shank 42 and then solderingit tol the shank as indicatedA at 45.

A perforated disc shaped insulating washer 46 is next placed over the lugs 4-3 and 44 and a ferrule 41 is .pressed over the end of the tubes, tightly engaging the exterior of flange 38.

It will be noted that the ferrule has an inturned: flange 48- engaging the washer 46 and holding this tightly against the connector lugs and has a peripheral-flange or rib 49 which may be engaged by the inwardly extending flange 56 of a threaded cap 5|.

To connect this end of the conductor to shank 22 it is merely necessary to slide it Over the shank, the shank itself being gripped by the cylindrical portion 4I, and then to screw the cap 5| on the lower threaded end of sleeve 21 which prevents the conductor from accidentally being pulled out and also grounds the woven covering 3l to the vehicle body part I9.

The manner of making the terminal at the other end of the conductor is shown in Figures 8 to 16 inclusive, the contact of this terminal itself being formed from a small cylindrical tube 52 as shown in Figures 8 and 9, on which is formed an annular rib or bead 53 closer to one end than the other.

A cylindrical insulating washer 46, such as used at the other end of the conductor, is slid over the shorter cylindrical end as indicated in Figure 12 and this end ilanged outwardly at54 to clamp the washer firmly to the contact between the flange 54 and rib 53.

Next the washer is inserted in the end of a ferrule 55 with the contact 52 projecting from the end of the ferrulev at which is formed an inturned ange 56, and the ferrule is indented as indicated at 51 to clamp the parts tightly in place.

The end of the tubular conduit is prepared in substantially the same manner as shown in Figure 3, by stripping away a part of the outer tube 36, sliding a ferrule consisting of a larger iiange 38 and a smaller flange 39 over the woven layer of the conduit, turning back the end of this conducting layer upon flange 39, and then the assembly consisting of contact 52, washer 46 and ferrule 55 is slid over these parts, the end of wire 40 being passed through the tubular contact 52.

The end of this contact is closed and connected to the wire 40 by a drop of solder 58 and any excess of wire is cut oif.

It will be apparent that with the parts assembled as shown in Figure 1, the wire 40 is in good electrical contact with antennae l, 2 and 3, while all space within the antenna support and within the insulating tubes 35 and 36 is sealed against the entrance of moisture, dirt or conducting material of any kind, while at the same time the woven `shielding 31 is grounded to the sleeve 21 and through this to the vehicle body I9.

While we have described the illustrated embodiment of our invention in some particularity, obviously many other embodiments, variations and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in this art, and we do not therefore limit ourselves vto the precise details shown and described, but claim as our invention all embodiments, variations, and modifications coming within the scope of the appended claims.

l. A support comprising two cylindrical clamping blocks having aligned perforations and being provided with plane surfaces disposed obliquely to the axes of their perforations, a tubular shank extending from one of the blocks through the perforation in the other, clamping means carried by the shank forcing the blocks toward each other to clamp between them an object on which the support is carried, electrical insulation within the tubular shank abutting a shoulder therein, electrical insulation abutting a side of one of the blocks, a supported element carried upon said last mentioned electrical insulation and including a shank extending through the rst mentioned insulation and spaced interiorly from the tubular shank, and clamping means carried by said last mentioned shank bearing on the rst mentioned electrical insulation.

2. A support comprising two cylindrical blocks having axial apertures therethrough and each having an inclined plane surface, one of these blocks having an internal shoulder, a tubular shank positioned within the apertures of the blocks and having an end provided with an inturned flange abutting said shoulder, the other end of the shank being threaded, a nut threaded on said shank and engaging one of said blocks, an insulating bushing within the shank abutting the flange thereof, an insulating Washer abutting the end of the block provided with a shoulder, a socket member engaging said washer provided with a threaded element extending through the bushing into the shank, and a'lnut threaded on said element and engaging said insulating bushing.

3. A support comprising two cylindrical blocks having axial apertures therethrough and each having an inclined plane surface, one of these blocks having an internal shoulder, a tubular shank positioned Within the apertures of the blocks and having an end provided with an inturned flange abutting said shoulder, the other end-of the shank being threaded, a nut threaded on said shank and engaging one of said blocks, an insulating bushing within the shank abutting the flange thereof, an insulating washer abutting the end of the block provided with a shoulder, a

- bushing into the shank, and a nut threaded on said element and engaging said insulating bushing, a ball received in the socket member, circular ball engaging means within the socket member, clamping means holding the ball against said ball engaging means, and an article to be supported xed to said ball.

4:'.l In an antenna mounting for fastening an antenna to a supporting body having a mounting aperture therethrough, a lead-in and hold-down bolt adapted to extend through said opening, means including insulating means associated with one end of said bolt adapted to engage one side of said supporting body, a hollow member concentrically positioned about said bolt, means for adjustably positioning said member on and insulating it from said bolt, means associated with said member adapted to engage the opposite side of said supporting body, said member forming a lead-in cable shield extension, and a lead-in cable electrically connected to said bolt and operatively connected with said hollow member.

5. In an antenna mounting for fastening an antenna to a supportingbody having a mounting aperture therethrough, a lead-in and holddown bolt adapted to extend through said opening, an antenna supporting member fixed to one end of said bolt, means adapted to insulate said member from one side of said supporting body, a hollow member concentrically positioned about said bolt, means adjustably positioning said member on and insulating it from said bolt, fastening means threaded on the exterior of said hollow member and adapted to engage the opposite side of Said body and make electrical contact therewith, said member forming a leadin cable shield extension, and a lead-in cable electrically connected to said bolt and operatively connected to said hollow members.

' 6. In .an antenna .mounting for .fastening Yan antenna to .a supporting body having .a mounting aperture therethrough, a lead-in and .holddown bolt adapted to extend through said opening, means including insulating means associated with the :upper end of said bolt .andadapted to engage one side .of said supporting body, a hollow member concentrically vpositioned about said bolt and having .an upper inwardly -extending ange, an insulating bushing .in said hollow member abutting at its upper end against said ilange, a sleeve :positioned internally of said insulating bushing and having at its lower end an outwardly extending ange abutting against the lower end of said bushing, said sleeve being adjustably Ypositioned on said bolt, means associated with said member adapted to engage the opposite side -of :said body, said member forming alead-in v.cable shield extension, .and a leadin cable electrically connected to said bolt .and operatively connected to said hollow member.

7. In an antenna mounting for fastening an antenna to a supporting body having a mounting aperture therethrough, .a lead-in .and hold- .down bolt .adapted to extend through said opening, means including insulating means associated with one end of said bolt .adapted to engage .one side of said supporting body, a hollow member concentrically positioned .about said bolt, means for adjustably positioning said member on and insulating it from said bolt, means associated with said member adapted to engage the oppositeside of said supporting body, aleadin cable comprising an inner conductor, an outer concentric conductor, and .an intermediate nonconductor, said outer conductor being fastened to saidY hollow member, and means comprising a :telescoping male .and female connection for detachably connecting said inner conductor to the lower end of said bolt.

8. In an antenna mounting .for fastening an .antenna to a supporting body having a mounting aperture therethrough, a lead-in and hold- .down bolt adapted to extend through said open- Ving, an antenna supporting member xed to .one end of said bolt, means adapted to insulate said member from one side of said supporting body, a hollow member concentrically positioned about said bolt, vmeans adjustably positioning said member on .and insulating it from said bolt, fastening means threaded on the exterior of said hollow member and adapted to engage the opposite side of said body and make electrical contact therewith, a lead-in cable comprising :an inner conductor, an outer concentric conductor, and an intermediate non-conductor, said outer Aconductor being fastened to said hollow inember, and meanscomprising a telescoping male and female connection for detachably connecting said inner conductor to the lower end .of said bolt.

9. In an antenna mounting for fastening an antenna to a supporting body having a mount- :ing aperture therethrough, a lead-in and holddown bolt adapted to extend through said opening, means including insulating means associated with the upper end of said bolt and adapted to engage one side of said supporting body, a hollow member concentrically positioned about rsaid bolt and having an upper inwardly extending ange, an insulating bushing in said hollow member abutting .at .its vupper .end against Asaid flange, a sleeve positioned internally .of said Yinsulating bushing and having at its lower fendy an outwardly .extending flange abutting .against kthe lower .end of said bushing, .said sleeve being adjustably `positioned on said bolt, means .asso- .ciated with said member adapted to eng-age the opposite side of said body, a lead-in cable Vcomprisng an inner conductor, an .outer concentric conductor, and an intermediate non-conductor, said outer vconductor being fastened to said .hollow member, .and .means comprising a telescoping male and female .connection for detachably .connecting said inner conductor to the lower end `of said bolt.

l0. .In a cable .connector for the lead-in cable of a radio antenna, an outer hollow member. a lead-in .cable comprising an inner conductor, an outer concentric conductor, and an `intermediate non-conductor, said outer conductor being fastened .to one end of said hollow member, an .electrical .contact member connected to said inner conductor and positioned in Vsaid one end, said non-conductor extending beyond said .electrical contact member, an insulating bushing Ain the other end of said hollow member and positioned against movement relative thereto in at least vone direction, and an antenna supporting and lead-in member threadably supported in said bushing and having an end detachably engaged with said electrical contact member.

1l. In an antenna mounting for fastening an antenna to a supporting body having amounting aperture therethrough, a lead-in Vand holddown bolt adapted to extend through said opening, vinsulating means associated with the bolt and adapted to engage one side of the supporting body, a hollow member about said bolt, means zadjustably positioning said member and insulating it from said bolt, means associated with said member adapted to engage the opposite side of the supporting body, said member forming a lead-in cable shield extension and a leadin vcable electrically connected to said bolt and operatively connected with said hollow member.

SIDNEY LUDWIG. ROBERT R. CULL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record .in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 986,451 Franks Mar. 14, 1911 1,386,959 Severance Aug. 9, 1921 1,478,216 Gilroy Dec. 18, 1923 1,969,212 Erling Aug. "7, 1934 2,003,586 Erling June 4, 1935 2,017,627 Hodny Oct. V15, 1935 2,045,781 Kasarjian June Y30, '1936 2,224,032 Kline Dec. 3, 1940 2,233,920 Johnson Mar. 4, 1941 2,236,151 Marzetti Mar. 25, .1941 2,252,359 Cohen Aug. 12, 1941 2,252,671 Ludwig Aug. 12, 1941 2,397,151 Mitchell Mar. '26, 1946 2,425,834 Salisbury Aug. 19, 1947 2,434,638 Bryers Jan. 20, 1948 2,444,189 Finneburgh June 29, 1948 

